Meet Barry Betha

Each week, Firehouse Fitness features members of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department demonstrate exercises and stretching techniques that can be incorporated into almost any fitness routine. Information:

The move: A scapular stability exercise that helps correct poor posture resulting from long hours of sitting at a desk.

Works on: Rhomboids and trapezius.

Difficulty: Beginner to advanced, depending on the strength of the band.

Precautions: Avoid if you’ve had any current shoulder issues.

Setup: Grab a resistance band with your palms facing down straight out in front of and keep your elbows high in line with your shoulders.

Steps: Pinch your scapula together bringing your elbows back in line with your torso. Pull the band apart as far as you can. Hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds, keeping your shoulder blades as far back as they can go.

Repetitions: Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions.

Options: Using a thinner or thicker band will affect the difficulty. Also this exercise can be done with your back against the wall to ensure you don’t arch your lower back.